Successful and humble?! One question mark is exactly what position he will adopt: He has tended to operate more centrally for his country than the right-wing role that has already brought him eight goals for Madrid this season. Scroll through his social media, and you'll see that he's a big family man, constantly posting pics with his parents, brother, and niece.Swoon. She owned a league-leading +5 +/- during the summer's NWSL Challenge Cup and followed up that effort with four goals in four NWSL Fall Series games good for second-best among all players. Alexis Snchez is a fierce forward who plays for the Chilean national team and Manchester United. Country: Morocco Post-New Year, the Senegalese superstar scored winning goals against Norwich, West Ham, and Bournemouth to help get the Reds over the line in what was a hit-and-miss return to action after the coronavirus lockdown. Paulo Dybala comes on No 5 in the list and is a mind-blowing, dashing, and stylish footballer. Benzema, at the age of 34, has had to wait eight and a half years to feature again in the World Cup. How many factors we should keep in mind while making this list? Onana exudes confidence and has the skills to back it up. Club: Bayern Munich Club: Barcelona After countless years of playing second fiddle. The "Golden Boy" award is the prize given to the best footballer under the age of 21 in Europe each year. He was even selected as "most promising player" in 2009. Club: Bayern Munich She tied for fourth in goals scored, third in assists, eighth in assists per 90 minutes, fifth in goals and assists combined, sixth in shots on target, and 10th in crosses. The 21-year-old is an offensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers. -- James Olley, Country: France -- Rob Dawson, Country: Portugal Why is 70% of world football made in Pakistan? She helped bring Lyon yet another European Cup in August, capping her 2019-2020 season with a crucial goal against Wolfsburg in the Champions League final. After five solid games for the North Carolina Courage, Mewis was widely considered one of the top performers at the NWSL Challenge Cup. Romelu Lukaku told France Football in early December. I realized that this article was bullshit the moment I saw Leo Messi bring ranked above CR7. Germany's 34-year-old forward Lukas Podolski looks more like a fashion model than a footballer. Oliviers stamina, bravery, and shooting prowess is well known. 08 of 50 Neymar, Brazil Getty Images He won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup and will have designs on doing the same again as part of a Three Lions side that was fourth in that tournament, second at Euro 2020 and eyeing the biggest prize of all this month. An all-time great, man-of-the-match goalkeeping performance in Real Madrid's Champions League final win over Liverpool in May -- making a record nine saves -- was followed by a seventh-place finish on the 2022 Ballon d'Or shortlist. His season has started slowly at new club Chelsea following his summer move from Napoli, but he'll feel right at home in front of Edouard Mendy as the last wall of defence for Senegal. Position: Forward Club: Arsenal Age: 29 David was popular for his precise long-distance passes and crosses. Why anyone would argue otherwise is a mystery. Germany's 34-year-old forward Lukas Podolski looks more like a fashion model than a footballer. There is also a belief that Cristiano Ronaldo's presence is another complication for Fernandes, but the World Cup offers the 28-year-old the opportunity to finally break out on the international stage. We asked television analysts, reporters, columnists, producers and editors from all over the world to vote on who they believe to be the best players participating in this year's tournament. Matthias Hangst/Bongarts/Getty Images; Daniel Mihailescu/AFP via Getty Images; Xinhua/Aurelien Morissard via Getty Images; Alex Caparros - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images; Nicol Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images; Samantha Lee/Insider, Alex Caparros - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images, Alejandro Rios/DeFodi Images via Getty Images, Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Age: 19 Already a World Cup winner with nearly 150 career goals to his name, whichever team he ends up with in the future can rest assured he will adapt. Position: Forward She's led Lyon with nine assists and added six goals during the 2020 calendar year, which saw the 28-year-old earn UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season honors, and her second-consecutive treble with the club. -- Rob Dawson, Country: Netherlands Club: Real Madrid He is already an established part of the midfield, alongside club teammates Sergio Busquets and Pedri, and his intensity and work rate, not to mention his quality with the ball, will be important in Qatar. No one is quite as slick when under immense pressure in tight spaces. His country's next big thing, Havertz has already been hailed as "world-class" by ex-Germany international Mattias Sammer, as well as "exceptional" by current Mannschaft coach Joachim Low, according to Bundesliga.com. Explained in Simple Steps- Track and Field Events Different types of events in athletics Kho Kho Did you know the game has roots as Top 10 Greatest Footballer of All Time Meet the Best Football TATA IPL 2022 Team Owners? After first captaining Paris Saint Germain to the Champions League final and a seventh Ligue 1 title in eight years, the Brazilian joined Chelsea in the summer where he has been equally impressive. Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Argentina will all have him singled out as the man to stop when they take on Poland. . Sam Morsy has played for both English club teams and the Egyptian national team (and was one of the cutest players on each, we'd venture). He's settled in well in Madrid, making replacing Casemiro look like no big deal. The way he is able to speed up with a dribble or key pass is vital and he can't be missed during the tournament as no one in the squad has the qualities De Jong has. 2018 Rank: Not ranked, Spain go into the World Cup with two of the best defensive midfielders in the game with captain Sergio Busquets and Manchester City's Rodri. "It is not my fault if he goes under the radar.". A dependable lock-down defender with tremendous field vision and offensive upside, Bronze poses a threat to opponents across the entire field. Club: Barcelona He has Senegalese and Spanish nationalities. Club: Barcelona Position: Midfielder An ego trip might seem inevitable with pro-athlete status, but Germany's Jonas Hector seems extremely down-to-earth. This term, the South Korean is looking his best ever, having scored 10 goals and provided three assists in just 11 games to help Spurs to the top of the Premier League. -- Alex Kirkland, Country: Brazil (, At 34-years-old, Jos Carvallo heads home from his goalkeeper duties for the Peru national team to two sons and beautiful wife. Manuel Neuer is often referred to as the best goalkeeper in the worldbut that's not his only talent. Eintracht Frankfurt will be hoping summer signing Joveljic, who scored 14 times for Red Star Belgrade last season, can fill the boots of Luka Jovic this season after his transfer to Real Madrid. He literally has more followers. His versatility means he is equally adept in central midfield as he is on the right, but England haven't figured out how to play to his strengths. On the defensive end, Eriksson was essential to fifth-ranked Sweden's five clean sheets, four goals against, and 5-1-2 record for 2020. I think He deserved it. -- Gab Marcotti, Country: Senegal If I don't speak, who will speak?". What to know:Chelsea striker and Denmark international Pernille Harder is quite literally the most valuable asset in the women's game, according to the world record transfer fee the Blues paid to acquire her this year. Moments later, Sancho collected the ball on the left side of Ireland's penalty area, shifted inside onto his right foot, and slid the ball home for England's second of the night. The Brazilian professional football player is one of the top players in the world and is popular for his on-field gesture. He is one of the highest-paid soccer players on the planet. James Rodriguez was voted the worlds sexiest man in 2014 by a Spanish magazine, People En Espaol. Jude Bellingham 3. Club: Paris Saint-Germain David excelled at scoring from the penalty spot and delivered breathtaking free kicks with a perfect bend. What to know:To pigeonhole Crystal Dunn into just one position is to massively undersell the most versatile and dynamic superstar on the top-ranked US Womens' National Team. England have become dependent on Bellingham. What to know:Lindsey Horan has been an essential piece of the US Women's National Team's winning strategy ever since she was first called up to the senior national team in 2013. After countless years of playing second fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and Kaka, the Real spotlight is now deservedly on Benzema. It proved an inspired hunch. Arkadiusz Milik is married to Jessica Ziolek who is a beautiful and supportive lady. -- Gab Marcotti, Country: Brazil She led her squad to first place in the group stage of UEFA Women's Championship qualifying and undoubtedly has her eyes set on making an impact at both the UEFA Women's Euro and the Tokyo Olympics. Position: Defender Neymar has stunning features that make him one of the worlds hottest men. (, The Polish striker shared the cover of FIFA 16 (the Polish version of the popular video game) with superstar Lionel Messi, but stays humble about his soccer goals. Now 34, the striker has seamlessly translated his form with Bayern Munich to Barcelona, where he has already scored 18 goals this season after being signed for 45 million in the summer. The two complement each other greatly in the middle of the park, as Kimmich provides intensity and defensive awareness while Gundogan has proven to be a creative mind. And, ladies, he's a Cancer so it means that he's in touch with his emotions! -- Julien Laurens, Country: England "He's quickly become very important for us," said Chelsea boss Frank Lampard of Silva, according to Sports Illustrated. What to know:A German National Team captain and Wolfsburg standout striker, Alexandra Popp regularly finds herself in the right place at the right time thanks to her exceptional ability to read and space the field. Yes, plz. The 29-year-old is studying business for his post-soccer days and told The Guardian he stays off social media because he prefers "things to be a little more low-key.". -- Rob Dawson, Country: Germany The reason for his presence on this list is his attractive personality and dashing style. Position: Midfielder recently told FIFA.com of Alexander-Arnold. Let's go!". There are only three other players that were ever this good at this stage of their careers:. Despite falling out with Barcelona's former president and trying to force a move away from the club in the summer, the Argentine has still produced the goods week-in, week-out, scoring 23 goals and assisting 22 more in just 38 games for the Catalans a combined figure no other player in Europe can match. Just like their fellow female soccer stars, these dudes have looks (and skills) that could kill. 2018 Rank: 25, No one is really able to defy age, not even an all-time great goalkeeper. This year, for the first time ever, our list features 25 male and 25 female players, with Insider soccer experts Barnaby Lane and Meredith Cash picking 25 players each. The 26-year-old football player has a charming look and a beautiful personality. Ignazio Abate, 33, is a defender who is as gorgeous as he is athletic. But before the Fall Series kicked off, Mewis took her talents in England and joined Manchester City alongside USWNT teammate Rose Lavelle. 2018 Rank: Not ranked, Senegal have high hopes for this World Cup following their African Cup of Nations triumph in February, and while there'll be plenty of attention around their brilliant forward Sadio Mane, any triumph will be anchored at the back and captain Koulibaly is indispensable. His move to Barcelona two years ago was a disaster and he has struggled with France, too. Now it's time for the one crown that has always eluded him. As we approach the end of what has been a turbulent 2020, Insider has put together its annual list of the best soccer players on the planet. Success in Asia: A Distant Dream for Indian Football. Guendouzi is promising the be the midfield general Arsenal have craved since the departure of Patrick Vieira back in 2005, having already become a regular and important figure in Unai Emery's new-look side. However, the finals arrive with him in the best form of his Barcelona career. 2020 was an exceptional year, even for a player as great as "The Great Horan.". Olivier Jonathan Giroud is a striker for Serie A team AC Milan. All of Belgium will be hoping his troublesome hamstring sorts itself out in time. This bearded Spanish hunk is just 27 years old and plays for Real Madrid as an attacking midfielder. 2018 Rank: Not ranked, There is a feeling in Portugal that if they are to do well in Qatar, it will be because of players like Silva rather than Ronaldo. What to know:Ji So-Yun is an intelligent, do-it-all player for Chelsea in the FA Women's Super League and for South Korea. The shortlist has been cut down to a final 20, all of whom are listed below. What to know: Last season's PFA Fans' Player of the Year award, Sadio Mane was clutch in Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool team as it lifted its inaugural Premier League title. Ranking The Top 10 Most Watched Sports Events in The World 2023, Top 10 Most Popular Sports in America in 2023, Top 10 Most Famous Female Soccer Players in 2023, Top 10 Most Aggressive Soccer(Football) Players in the World 2023, Top 10 Highest Paying Sports in The World 2023 Highest Paid Sports, Top 10 Best Opening Batsmen in Cricket History [2023 Ranking], Top 10 Most Famous Female Volleyball Players in 2023, Top 10 Richest Wrestlers in The World in 2023, Top 10 Most Famous Baseball Players of All Time. Not long after that, he was called to the Argentina national football team. Position: Defender Position: Forward Need we say more? Also Read |Top 10 biggest transfers in football history. Since then, she's only continued to impress on an even bigger stage. Jo Hyeon-woo, the team's 28-year-old goalkeeper, makes it easy to get distracted from the rest of the on-field action. Messi is the top scorer of the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup with 6 goals, including 2 in the final. 2018 Rank: 8. But he's as much a provider as he is a finisher, always ready to come short to play a one-two or run behind to stretch a defensive line. Neymar, who holds the current world-record transfer of 200m, also received a 115.2m value alongside Sterling. He is among the most handsome football players. Club: Chelsea Antonella Roccuzzo is the only woman that he loved from his childhood and married. This is likely his last World Cup and he'll arrive in Doha while playing, at 35, some of the best football of his recent career. -- Rob Dawson, Country: Germany At just 28 years old, Fabian Schr can say that he's represented Switzerland in two FIFA World Cups (2014 and 2018) and in the 2012 Summer Olympics playing center-back. Ertz earned her 100th cap for the USWNT against England in the first game of the 2020 SheBelieves Cup. Here's everything you need to know 4. Though she's only made four appearances for her country in 2020, the star has tried on three different positions for size while recording a goal and an assist for the Norwegians. What to know: Rapid, strong, tall and deadly in front of goal, Erling Braut Haaland is the most exciting young player in world football. Age: 30 Club: Bayern Munich He rounded off his 2020 by winning the Puskas Award. -- Gab Marcotti, Country: Portugal "If he keeps playing the way he has been he will be regarded as one of the best players in the world.". -- Tom Hamilton, Country: England If his size isn't enough to stop the other team from scoring, his experience (he's has been a goalkeeper since the age of seven!) Modric was key to Croatia's surprise run to the 2018 World Cup final and at 37, his level hasn't dropped a bit, starring in last season's LaLiga and Champions League-winning campaign for Real Madrid. 2018 Rank: 1. Piques professional career was mostly spent with FC Barcelona and he captained the club for years. Ola Toivonen stands at 6'2" and is a striker for the Poland national team. Which duo has the most goal contributions in Europe this season? He's become one of the on-field leaders for Pep Guardiola and for his national team. In fact, Musiala often moves into double or triple coverage intentionally to create room for his teammates. One of the most stylish and handsome footballers in the world, Isco is considered one of the best attacking midfielders on his team. Radamel Falcao is a major distraction on the pitch. 2018 Rank: 5, Kane is quite simply England's talisman and could become his country's all-time record goal scorer in Qatar (currently on 51, two behind Wayne Rooney). ", At Manchester City, Guardiola has recently challenged De Bruyne to improve.